If for some reason you cannot breastfeed or if you choose to supplement breastfeeding with formula, you will want to pick the safest and healthiest formula for your baby. Most grocery and household stores now carry at least one organic alternative to conventional formulas. Organic formula is free from the hormones, antibiotics, pesticides and herbicides used to farm the ingredients in conventional formulas. In order to be sure that at least 95% of the ingredients in your formula are organic, choose a brand that has been certified organic by the USDA. Click here for a list of organic formulas.
If you choose a powdered formula rather than premixed, make sure that you use only clean, filtered water. Unfiltered tap water can have a range of impurities so choosing a good filter can make a big difference. There are a ton of options for filtering systems, including filters that attach under the sink, filters that attach on the faucet, filters in your refrigerator, whole-house filtrations systems, and pitchers with filters. Try to avoid bottled water due to the concerns about plastic (see article about Plastics). If you are in a pinch and have to choose between bottled water and unfiltered water, there is no clear guidance on which is the safer choice. Also avoid plastic baby bottles and choose safer options such as glass, silicone and BPA-free plastic (see article about Feeding Supplies). For a list of safer baby bottles and sippy cups, click here.
Breastfeeding is without question the healthiest and most natural means of feeding your baby. If for some reason you cannot breastfeed or if you have to supplement breastfeeding with formula, you will want to pick the safest and healthiest formula for your baby. Most grocery and household stores now carry at least one organic alternative to conventional formulas. Organic formula is free from the hormones, antibiotics, pesticides and herbicides used to farm the ingredients in conventional formulas. In order to be sure that at least 95% of the ingredients in your formula are organic, choose a brand that has been certified organic by the USDA.
If you choose a powdered formula rather than premixed, make sure that you use only clean, filtered water. Unfiltered tap water can have a range of impurities so choosing a good filter can make a big difference. There are a ton of options for filtering systems, including filters that attach under the sink, filters that attach on the faucet, filters in your refrigerator, whole-house filtrations systems, and pitchers with filters. Try to avoid bottled water due to the concerns about plastic (see article about Plastics). If you are in a pinch and have to choose between bottled water and unfiltered water, there is no clear guidance on which is the safer choice. Also avoid plastic baby bottles and choose safer options such as glass, silicone and BPA-free plastic (see article about Green Bottles & Dishes).
